An all embracing term for all learning problems? A synonym for Special Educational
Needs (SEN)

What is/are SpLD?Interestingly the National Strategy at (http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/node/84379)does
not seem to have a clear definition.

The open University (http://www.open.ac.uk/inclusiveteaching/pages/understanding-and-awareness/what-are-specific-learning-difficulties.php)
has a more embracing description: “The umbrella term specific learning difficulties
(SpLD) is used to cover a wide variety of difficulties. Many people use it synonymously
with dyslexia (a difficulty with words), but it is now generally accepted that dyslexia
is only one of a group of difficulties that may include: dysgraphia: (writing difficulty);
dyspraxia: (motor difficulties);dyscalculia: (a difficulty performing mathematical
calculations); Attention deficit disorder, or attention deficit hyperactive disorder
(ADD or ADHD): (concentration difficulties with heightened activity levels and impulsiveness)
and Asperger’s syndrome and autism: (emotional behaviour or even social communication
difficulties).

Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_disability) seems to use the terms
Disability; Difficulty and Difficulties interactively.

The University of East Anglia (http://www.uea.ac.uk/services/students/disability/disability_SPLD)
agrees this is an umbrella term for the most well known syndromes (listed with the
OU definition)

We could go on searching and obtaining differing definitions but that does not seem
very profitable since none seem to include children who need help for all sorts of
reasons none of which have a persistent medical cause. We will have to carry on
researching for resources which are needed to help any child who is falling behind
his/her natural ability. Meanwhile specific links to other pages on this site are: